Conductor reappears in court on rape charges

A 37-year-old Route 42 minibus conductor on Thursday reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and the prosecution was given time to file statements on the matter.
Thandikuma Bakker was charged with two counts of rape of a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old girl.
Bakker made his third appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and was ordered to return to court on February 21, 2019.
The prosecution is contending that during May 2018 at High Street, Georgetown, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.
It was further alleged that during June 2018, at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potato-Siparuni), he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.
Bakker was released on $300,000 bail on the condition that he stays away from the victims.
It was alleged that Bakker would take the 13-year-old girl on trips and take her shopping.
However, the teen’s parents found out about the excursions and reported the matter to the Police.